There is change in the air in one of the highest offices in Major League Baseball.

Bob DuPuy, who essentially has served as the No. 2-ranked executive in MLB for the past eight years as president and chief operating officer, is expected to move out of his current role, according to three high-ranking executives within baseball.

The timing of the forthcoming change is not yet clear.

"He's on his way out," a team official said.

DuPuy, who turns 63 this year, has been a longtime ally of commissioner Bud Selig, and in recent years has been at the forefront of franchise and ballpark efforts for the Washington Nationals and the Florida Marlins.

But baseball executives who know both men say that Selig and DuPuy are not as close as they once were.

DuPuy did not respond to a request for comment.

DuPuy had been seen by some within baseball as a possible successor to Selig, who was the acting commissioner from 1992 to 1998. Owners voted to make him the permanent commissioner in 1998.

Selig's contract is set to expire in two years, and although Selig has indicated he intends to retire at that time, some team executives believe he may continue serving as commissioner beyond his current contract.